Monstera adansonii 'Monkey leaf'

From Central America to Bolivia

Monstera adansonii is native from Nicaragua and Costa Rica through northern and central South America to Bolivia, and also occurs on Caribbean islands. Wild vines grow in forest and beside rivers, climbing trees, roadside vegetation and fences.

Care for fenestrated aroid roots and climbing growth

Growth and support: The vine can trail, but a textured vertical support encourages the nodes to attach and later leaves to enlarge. Keep the stem against the support and leave the leaf stalks free.

Light: Grow it in bright, indirect light. In a much darker position, growth slows and new leaves commonly remain smaller; strong midday sun can bleach or scorch them.

Watering: When the rootball surface has begun to dry, rewet it fully, drain the pot and avoid leaving water trapped inside an outer container.

Roots and substrate: Do not wait for repeated heavy wilting. Equally, keep the roots supplied with air by avoiding a permanently wet, compacted substrate.

Troubleshooting Monstera adansonii 'Monkey leaf': leaf, node and root changes

Yellowing, wilt or brown edges

Young vines naturally begin with smaller, simpler leaves. A steady decrease after stronger growth usually follows lost climbing contact, weaker light or root stress. The oldest lower leaf can yellow as the vine grows. When both older and newer leaves yellow together, check the roots, moisture and accumulated fertiliser. A light dry pot needs slow thorough rewetting. Wilt in wet mix requires drainage and inspection of the roots.

Pest signs on leaves and nodes

Soft scale may leave sticky residue and black surface mould. Thrips produce silver scars and black dots, while a large mite population may form fine webbing. Inspect opening leaves and nodes, remove visible pests and treat for the insect or mite you find.

The change does not match the established leaf pattern

Pale crust at a tip or margin may come from guttation, the leaf’s release of excess water. Moisten the mark. Mineral residue lifts from the surface, while injured tissue remains.

Monstera adansonii ‘Monkey leaf’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Monstera adansonii: name and meaning

Monstera comes from Latin monstrum or monstrosus, words for something unusual or abnormally formed, referring to the striking holes and divisions in the leaves. Adansonii honours French naturalist Michel Adanson.

Michel Adanson established the genus Monstera in 1763 in Familles des plantes, volume 2, page 470.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Monstera adansonii in 1830 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 4, page 1028.